Daimler rolls out Fuso truck for exports from Chennai unit

Firm plans to tap markets in Sri Lanka, Asia and Africa; Trucks won't be sold in India

German automobile maker Daimler AG to start exports of FUSO trucks from its Oragadam facility, near Chennai. The Fuso range belongs to Japan-based Mitsubishi FUSO Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC).
 
Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt Ltd (DICV), the Indian subsidiary of German automobile maker Daimler AG, on Thursday rolled out FUSO range of trucks from its plant. The company is planning to export to Asia and Africa.
 
“The FUSO range of trucks made in India is only for exports. Sri Lanka will be first export market for the trucks. This year we will export around 1,000 vehicles out of India. The Indian plant has enough capacity to cater to the Indian market for DIVC's BharatBenz as well as the export markets for FUSO,” Albert Kirchmann, head-Daimler Trucks Asia and president and CEO, MFTBC.

He added, the integrated Asia business model draws on the synergies of two Daimler outfits, DICV and MFTBC.
 
The new business model for Asia will enable Daimler AG to unlock full potential among MFTBC and DICV, said Kirchmann.
 
The trucks rolled out of DICV’s plant– BharatBenz and FUSO -- have local content upto 90%, said Marc Llistosella, Managing Director, DICV.
 
“Daimler’s Asia strategy is not to counter balance the excess capacity in India. We are leveraging existing production network for global market,” he said.
 
Kirchmann said the combined target of MFTBC and DICV is to double annual sales to 290,000 units by 2020 while declining to give any breakup of figures between the two entities.

Besides, Fuso and Bharat Benz, the company has set a target to sell 500,000 vehicles by 2015.

The FUSO trucks range manufactured at DICV’s plant here consist of five models spanning medium/heavy duty (25-49 tonne) and light/medium duty (9-16 tonne).
 
After Sri Lanka the FUSO trucks will be exported to Bangladesh, Zambia, Kenya and Brunei this year.
 
Apart from rolling of FUSO trucks out DICV’s plant, Daimler has chalked out an integrated Asia research and development (R&D) plan leveraging DICV and Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) operations.   

The plant in Oragadam, Chennai produces BharatBenz range of trucks for the domestic market. Now, these will be rebadged and exported under the Fuso umbrella to over 15 markets.

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation is a member of the Daimler Trucks division of Daimler AG. Daimler owns 89.29% in MFTBC.